What were all of the Indiana State Police doing blocking the railroad crossings along John Street this morning as a Norfolk Southern train passed by? No, it wasn't carrying nuclear material or hazardous waste. It was the Indiana State Police from ISP Post 51 in Madison County making a safety video with the cooperation of both NS and CSX to illustrate crossing safety. Without the flashers, gates and other crossing devices, you would have to have an officer at every crossing to prevent crossing accidents. As that just isn't possible, the next best thing is to obey the protection that is there. So, the heroes of this page are not the trains, but the Indiana State Police Troopers who care enough about our safety to watch the crossings and make this video.

Due in large part to the arresting efforts of these Troopers, crossing accidents in Madison County have declined dramatically over the past couple of years. Yes, they do make arrests of motorists running crossing gates and protection when they are operating with a train coming. But on this day, there was a professional film crew in the cab of the NS loco as it passed Trooper after Trooper standing guard over the crossings.

When complete, the video will be shown in schools, churches, to civic clubs and anywhere there are people in Madison County interested in crossing safety.

   

       

   

   

After the train had passed, I spent some time talking with ISP Sgt Kowalski and Trooper Klettheimer (pictured above) about their efforts to improve crossing safety.

Operation Lifesaver Inc. ...is a nationwide, non-profit public information program dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities at highway-rail crossings and on railroad rights-of-way. It's web site offers news reports, educational materials, statistics, safety tips, upcoming events, and information on how to get involved.